About the Office of Research

The Office of Research is a vibrant community of service-oriented professionals that are tasked with overseeing the research infrastructure at the University of Cincinnati.  In alignment with the Research2030 strategic framework, the goal of the office is to advance research and scholarship across the university.

Job Overview

The Office of Research (OoR) is hiring a Chief of Staff to serve as principal advisor and strategic partner to the Vice President for Research (VPR). They will be providing executive-level leadership, coordination, and support for initiatives of strategic importance to the OoR and the University.

The Chief of Staff supports the VPR in advancing the university's research mission and strategic priorities by facilitating communication and collaboration across colleges, centers, institutes, and administrative units. This role serves as a key liaison between the OoR and internal and external stakeholders, manages high-priority projects and initiatives, coordinates operational and strategic activities, and ensures alignment of research-related efforts with university goals.

Working closely with research leadership, faculty, administrators, and external partners, the Chief of Staff helps drive institutional research growth, enhance operational effectiveness, and advance the university's reputation as a leading research institution.

Essential Functions

• Serve as a principal advisor to the VPR on strategic, operational, and organizational matters. Represent the VPR in meetings, committees, and working groups, as appropriate, and manage and prioritize issues requiring the time and attention of the VPR.
• Lead and manage high-priority projects and institutional initiatives directed by the VPR.
• Coordinate strategic planning activities for the OoR and monitor progress toward established goals and performance metrics. Coordinate executive briefings, reports, presentations, position papers, and other materials in support of the VPR and research leadership. Coordinate preparation for research advisory boards, executive leadership meetings, strategic retreats, and external stakeholder engagements.
• Oversee the development and implementation of systems for tracking strategic initiatives, project milestones, deliverables, and key performance indicators.
• Synthesize complex information, research metrics, funding trends, policy development, operational considerations, and emerging issues into concise executive summaries and recommendations.
• Support the VPR in developing and maintaining relationships with federal agencies, industry partners, foundations, peer institutions, research organizations, and community stakeholders.
• Assist with the development and implementation of research growth strategies, interdisciplinary initiatives, and large-scale institutional proposals.
• Collaborate with university advancement and foundation partners to support research-related philanthropic and fundraising priorities.
• Work closely with communications and marketing teams to support the visibility and impact of the university's research enterprise. Facilitate communication and collaboration among college research leadership, research centers and institutes, administrative units, and senior university leadership.
• Identify, recommend, and implement improvements to operational processes, systems, and organizational effectiveness. Ensure operational objectives, policies, and practices align with the strategic priorities of the OoR and the University.
• Direct the preparation of correspondence and communications on behalf of the VPR, when appropriate. Coordinate executive scheduling and travel activities in partnership with the Executive Assistant for the VPR.

• Provide direct and/or indirect supervision to exempt and non-exempt staff, including hiring, performance management, disciplinary action, and approval of time off.
• Perform related duties based on departmental need. This job description can be changed at any time.

Required Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Higher Education Administration, Research Administration, Communications, Science, Engineering, Health Sciences, or related field. 

Required Experience

• Ten (10) years of experience in leadership, administrative, project management, research administration, or executive support.
• Demonstrated experience leading complex projects involving multiple stakeholders.
• Experience supporting senior leadership and managing strategic initiatives.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including preparation of executive-level reports and presentations.
• Demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities in a dynamic environment.

Additional Qualifications Considered

• Master's Degree or Terminal Degree in a relevant field.
• Experience in higher education administration, research administration, or other complex institutional environments.
• Knowledge of federally sponsored research, compliance, innovation, technology transfer, or research development.
• Experience working with research metrics, strategic planning, and organizational performance measurement.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or equivalent project management training.
• Demonstrated experience in change management and organizational effectiveness.
• Proven ability to build effective partnerships across academic, government, industry, and community sectors.

Physical Requirements/Work Environment

Application Process Information

A resume and cover letter are required as part of the application process. Attach these documents before submitting your application.